The Queso Diaries: Sedona Mexican Grill and Cantina

Published 12:42 pm, Friday, July 24, 2015

Photo: Rich Lopez

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The Queso Diaries: Sedona Mexican Grill and Cantina

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For this diary entry, I finagled some of the news room writers to help judge this week's selection. Plus, we were also celebrating a friend's birthday so it was rather convenient. But both Rye and Brandon were able judges in their participation in our #quesoquest.

Menu item: Large Sedona queso with ground beef and pico de gallo. $4.99.

Color (on a scale of neon yellow to white): This was a sort of middle-of-the-road yellow. While it definitely did not veer too white, it did not go overly yellow which went in its favor. Score: 2.7.

Consistency: We found its thickness far better than its color. The gooey-ness was both satisfying without being grossly indulgent. Ironic being that it had added ingredients that could have made it overly thick, but it was just right. Score: 3.8.

Uniqueness: You would think that the more unique a queso is the better, but not so in this case. We did love the addition of the ground beef and pico which made it a significantly heartier appetizer, but I was personally stunned by the taste. This queso was sweet! Perhaps it was hickory that we tasted, but regardless, it was rather unnerving. And yet, looking at my cohorts' scores, they were on board with a sweet queso. Score: 3.

Chips: The chips had a lovely fried crisp with subtle hints of saltiness. They also held up to the queso with all its added weight in beef and pico. The queso had its flair, but we couldn't stop noshing on the chips. Score: 3.7.

Average score: 3.3.

Queso worth going back for? Sedona has a wonderfully festive atmosphere in the evening both inside and on the patio. We'd go back with large parties for dinner and drinks, but we can't say we'd go back just for the queso. While it was good for some, we all agreed it wasn't standout enough to draw us back.